It was a case of quality not quantity for Alberni Wrestling at the national championships in Fredericton, NB this year.
The quantity was Alberni Wrestling only sending three ADSS wrestlers to the Cadet/ Juvenile Nationals this year as the event was across the country and costs were high. The quality was all three local wrestlers making the finals of their respective weights and bringing home medals.
Grade 12 wrestler Nolan Badovinac won his third national title by taking gold in the 76 kg Juvenile Men’s Division.
First year Cadet Aaron Badovinac (Gr. 9) took a silver medal at 69 kg Cadet. Michel Kurucz (Gr. 12) captured silver in the 60 kg Juvenile Women’s division.
Nolan later competed in the 76 kg Juvenile Greco Roman style and despite having little experience at this style he won silver.
Aaron also wrestled in the FILA National trials for wrestlers in grades 10-11 and placed fifth.
Current Nanaimo coach, Alberni alumnus and Island head coach at the Nationals Andrew Tuck was thrilled with the Alberni results.
“The Alberni wrestlers led our Island and the B.C. team in Fredericton,” Tuck said. “They are outstanding representatives of ADSS and the Alberni Valley. Nolan is a natural leader who is highly respected by all of the BC team.”
“On the mats he was incredible. He was dominant enroute to his gold medal and is clearly one, if not the, top juvenile wrestler in the country at any weight.”
There will be little rest for some of the Alberni wrestlers as they hope to send a small contingent to the very tough US Western Regionals in Las Vegas in early May. Before that happens they have two fundraising events, including motorcross.
